Louisiana residents urged to provide critical input to safeguard Louisiana’s science-based Coastal Master Plan

Dec 10

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Louisiana's Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) released its Draft FY27 Annual Plan for public review and comment. The Annual Plan reflects which projects in the state’s comprehensive coastal plan will move forward in a given fiscal year and, upon its adoption, provides the CPRA authority to expend those funds outlined in the plans. Restore the Mississippi River Delta, a coalition of national and local organizations working to restore Louisiana's coast, issued the following statement upon the plan's release:

“The Annual Plan plays a key role in guiding the implementation of Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan and critical projects that will protect communities, restore habitat for wildlife and fisheries, and support our economy. Our coalition remains committed to supporting the state of Louisiana in implementing a science-based and publicly informed coastal plan. We are still reviewing the details of this year’s Annual Plan to ensure that investments align with the Coastal Master Plan, that the program maintains a strong balance of restoration and protection and that oil spill funds are both fully utilized and directed toward activities that address the devastating injuries Louisiana sustained from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. We look forward to celebrating the parts of this plan that merit praise, and we remain committed to holding this administration accountable if it strays away from the Coastal Master Plan or undermines public trust.”
“Now more than ever, public input is critical to this process. It is important to note that this year’s Annual Plan is open to public input and that public meetings will be held in January across the coast. Residents are urged to review the plan to find those projects that will both protect and restore their communities and coast. Communities, especially those most at risk, cannot afford to be overlooked.”
“We all benefit from having a clear sense of the public’s perspectives and concerns as the coastal program considers any potential adjustments. At this important moment, Louisianians have a meaningful opportunity to share their voices and help shape a plan that truly reflects the needs of our communities for generations to come.”

Created within the milestone legislation following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Annual Plan must receive the approval of the CPRA Board and Louisiana Legislature annually. Funding sources for the plan include a mixture of funds originating from the state, federal government and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

For more information about Restore the Mississippi River Delta, visit mississippiriverdelta.org.

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About Restore the Mississippi River Delta:
Restore the Mississippi River Delta is working to protect people, wildlife and jobs by reconnecting the river with its wetlands. As our region faces the crisis of land loss, we offer science-based solutions through a comprehensive approach to restoration. Composed of conservation, policy, science and outreach experts from Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation and Pontchartrain Conservancy, we are located in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Washington, D.C.; and around the United States. Learn more at MississippiRiverDelta.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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